On the morning of February 8, the seventh session of the 15th Nanning People's Congress commenced at the Nanning People's Hall, featuring a dedicated "Department Head Channel" for media interviews. Heads of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, the Municipal Administration of Urban Utilities and Gardens, the Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and the Municipal Bureau of Data appeared sequentially. They addressed topics related to accelerating the development of Nanning as an innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart city. A series of solid data points, practical plans, and firm commitments outlined a clear path for Nanning's high-quality development, conveying the city's determination to progress and its deep commitment to public welfare.
● Innovation: Empowering Modern Urban Development Innovation is a key driver for building a modern people-centric city. During the "Department Head Channel," Huang Fulai, Director of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, detailed plans for promoting innovation in 2026. The strategy includes accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence across various industries, implementing the "AI+" initiative, and fostering the development and integration of application scenarios. Efforts will also focus on upgrading traditional industries such as aluminum processing, machinery manufacturing, food processing, and forestry products through digital and intelligent transformations. Additionally, the city aims to strengthen emerging industries like new energy, high-end equipment manufacturing, next-generation information technology, biopharmaceuticals and health, low-altitude economy, and new materials by facilitating the commercialization of new technologies. Future industries, including embodied intelligence, bio-manufacturing, hydrogen energy, and new energy storage, will be prioritized to support large-scale production.
● Livability: Balancing Employment and Quality of Life Employment and entrepreneurship are crucial for economic development and urban livability. Lyu Xi, Director of the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, highlighted achievements from 2025, including the creation of 79,200 urban jobs, the establishment of 136 employment service stations, and social security coverage for over 8 million residents, with steady improvements in pension, unemployment, and work-related injury benefits. The city also introduced ten measures to support the AI industry, held 180 public skill night schools, and provided diverse services for high-level talents, benefiting 690,000 individuals. For the current year, the bureau will focus on high-quality employment, improving the employment service system, creating a "15-minute employment service circle," and supporting key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers. Talent policies will be fully implemented to cultivate more skilled professionals, while the social security system will be enhanced to ensure broader coverage and protection for residents.
● Beauty: Significant Achievements in Ecological and Environmental Protection Robust ecological and environmental efforts are essential for a modern city. In 2025, Nanning made notable progress, with Shanglin County being recognized as a national "Green is Gold" practice base and the Yongjiang River selected as an outstanding example of beautiful rivers. Urban air quality excellence reached 96.2%, ranking sixth among provincial capitals, while water quality at eight national monitoring sites remained excellent. Infrastructure improvements included the construction of 132.5 kilometers of rainwater and sewage pipelines, the remediation of 96 river discharge outlets, and increased urban sewage collection and rural sewage treatment rates. Daily waste-to-energy capacity reached 5,950 tons, with a resource utilization rate of 86.65%. Green transformation accelerated with the launch of an AI assistant for environmental services, the addition of green industrial parks and factories, and reductions in pollutant emissions and carbon intensity. Huang Yanquan, Director of the Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, stated that 2026 will involve implementing the "15th Five-Year" ecological plan, advancing blue skies, clear waters, and clean land initiatives, and enhancing public satisfaction with the environment.
● Resilience: Implementing Micro-Renovation Projects Liu Ka, Director of the Municipal Administration of Urban Utilities and Gardens, discussed measures to build a resilient city. In 2025, Nanning enhanced its green spaces by advancing five key projects, including the expansion of Nanning Zoo, and creating nine pocket parks. Infrastructure safety was improved by addressing risks related to roads, bridges, and manholes, and upgrading street lighting. Flood prevention measures included monitoring 18 bridges during peak flow periods and clearing silt along the Yongjiang River. Public welfare efforts continued with urban management actions and the regulation of mobile vendors. Liu emphasized that future work will focus on micro-renovations, such as improving sidewalks, creating small public spaces, and enhancing the quality of Minzu Avenue. Targeted campaigns will address issues around schools, hospitals, and commercial areas to refine urban governance.
● Civilization: Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage Civilization is the spiritual core of urban development. Wei Na, Director of the Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, reported that Nanning welcomed 197 million tourists in 2025, generating over 220 billion yuan in revenue, leading in Guangxi. Nearly 6,000 cultural performances and 1,200 reading promotions, exhibitions, and intangible cultural heritage markets were organized. Integration of tourism with other sectors produced 440 beneficial measures and over 40 concerts and festivals, highlighting the city's vibrant culture. AI applications further enriched tourism experiences. For the future, the bureau will prioritize cultural development by creating public spaces and landmarks, fostering AI-era arts, and preserving local heritage. Integration efforts will focus on industrial development, spatial planning, and brand building, while openness and cooperation will strengthen Nanning's role in ASEAN exchanges.
● Intelligence: Applying AI for Public Benefit Smart city initiatives are key to improving urban quality and governance. Sun Chunrui, Director of the Municipal Bureau of Data, outlined plans to make AI more practical and beneficial. Efforts will focus on empowering industries like manufacturing and agriculture through upgrades to benchmark applications, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. For public services, AI will be integrated into communities to support education and elderly care, offering seamless and thoughtful solutions. Governance will be improved with smart city platforms and AI systems, simplifying processes for tourism and housing fund withdrawals. Sun envisioned Nanning as both an efficient "smart city" and a warm "city of happiness" as AI becomes deeply embedded in urban life.